Consultations for family caregivers

“Do you just need advice concerning local resources? Perhaps you live in a rural area and are wondering what types of support are available. We can do phone or video conferencing to get you up to speed with the things you need to know at this particular stage of the elder care journey. Give us a call for a free initial consultation to learn how we can help: 252-450-5731.”
—Melanie Oliver, MA, LNHA, LALA, CDCP, CCM

There is no denying that adult children make a world of difference for aging older adults. You help with so many things! From running errands to light housekeeping, trips to the doctor to managing bills. And that doesn’t even count all that gets done when there are serious medical issues toward the end of life.

You deserve to get help.
Unfortunately, the elder care system is very confusing. Let us be your guide. Through phone calls or zoom, we can “meet” with you to discuss your issues and point you in the direction where you can find services and solutions, even technology to help.

Give us a call at 252-450-5731

Here are examples of the types of elder care issues we can address:

  • Medication management: Maybe your loved one is having trouble taking their pills as directed. We can brainstorm about the possible causes and then come up with solutions. It may be that an automated pill dispenser is the answer. Or pre-packaged pills for morning, noon or night.
  • Fall prevention: Lets “walk through” the house together using your phone and consider the different safety issues: lighting, uneven steps, throw rugs, grab bars in the bathroom, etc. Alternatively, we can send you a list of common hazards you can inventory and remedy yourself.
  • Dementia evaluation: If you suspect Alzheimer’s, it’s always wise to get a firm diagnosis. This involves some bloodwork and a urine test, as well as a physical exam. There are usually some writing exercises involved, plus answering some questions. Likely the doctor will want to do a brain imaging test (a CT scan, an MRI or a Pet scan). We can refer you to the best doctors in your area.
  • Senior transportation options: From local bus service to Uber, Lyft or volunteer programs, we know all the resources available in Wilmington and Jacksonville areas to make sure your loved one is not homebound simply for lack of a ride.
  • Senior nutrition: There is a government program (Meals on Wheels) that delivers a meal a day at home for homebound individuals. In many cities there are senior lunch programs which have the added benefit of reducing isolation, a serious problem for older adults. Then there are many different food service options that can have a week’s worth of frozen meals delivered accommodating many different diets. Some cities even have private chefs you can hire to come make a week’s worth of meals right in the home. (These are very popular!)
  • Protection from financial abuse: Is your loved one buying unnecessary items from the Internet or home shopping network? Have they been the victim of a scam? We can suggest solutions that provide them with maximum autonomy and control over their finances while at the same time protecting their assets.
  • Respite care: Everyone needs a break now and then. We can do the research—we know what to look for—and give you the names of the most promising providers.
  • Home care: Looking for in-home caregivers to come by a few times a week? We can screen the local home care services and make recommendations for which ones will most likely be able to provide the home care assistance your loved one needs now, and will likely need in the future.
  • Long-term care options: It may be that you need help deciding which long-term care community is the best fit for your relative. Looking at your loved one’s medical needs and personal preferences, as well as the family budget and geography, we can give you a list of the best assisted living, best nursing home or best memory care in your area.

Would you like a guide through your elder care journey?
Give us a call at 252-450-5731.